1980 Lancia Beta vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1980 Lancia Beta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Rover 3.5 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 599 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Rover 3.5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Rover 3.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1972 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1980 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lancia Beta | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Lancia | Rover |
| Model | Beta | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2820 mm |
